New Virginia state park to be developed in western Loudoun

A 280-acre parcel of the Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship preserve in western Loudoun County has been acquired by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation for the development of a new state park.

In 2016, the state agency acquired 604 acres of the preserve. Two years later, Loudoun County provided funding for the second parcel, which the foundation transferred to Old Dominion Land Conservancy, a local land trust, intending for it being donated to the state. The acceptance of the 280-acre addition was finalized Feb. 9.

BRCES, a nonprofit organization, that has been offering recreational and educational programs and managing the preserve owned by the Robert and Dee Leggett Foundation for 22 years, will continue to manage the property on behalf of the state.

DCR, which manages Virginia State Parks, will continue to develop a master plan for the new park known as Sweet Run. The process will include opportunity for public input, according to a news release.

“Since shortly after the foundation acquired the 884 acres in 1999, the land has been cared for and open to the public for research and appropriate recreation,” said Bob Leggett, president of the Robert and Dee Leggett Foundation. “This transition to becoming a state park will ensure the land will remain protected and available to the public in perpetuity.”

Dr. Gregory Miller, president of the board of directors for BRCES, said, “We look forward to continuing our management of the land using best practices of biodiversity conservation, cultural heritage and outdoor recreation. Since there is no funding yet in the state budget for the site, the board will continue to depend on our visitors and friends for their generous donations to keep the trails open and the natural and historical resources protected.” 

“Loudoun County is proud to have provided the $2.9 million to purchase the property and donate it to the state to expand the acreage of the future park, which connects to the Appalachian Trail, complements the Harpers Ferry National Historic Park system and preserves western Loudoun, said Caleb A. Kershner, Loudoun County Catoctin District Supervisor, in whose district the park is located.